Books like Like Lava in My Veins
Award winning
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
Derrick Barnes, 2017
32 pages
Why to read
Celebrates confidence, culture, and self-esteem in young boys.
Vibrant illustrations captivate and retain children's attention.
Supports emotional development and promotes diversity.
Perfect for family bonding and shared reading experiences.

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut
Derrick Barnes, 2017
Award winning
Ruby Flips for Attention (Ruby and the Booker Boys #4) (4)
Derrick Barnes, 2009
144 pages
Why to read
Addresses need for attention through engaging storytelling.
Strengthens emotional intelligence and family bonding.
Encourages self-expression and confidence in children.
Vibrant illustrations complement the lively text.

Ruby Flips for Attention (Ruby and the Booker Boys #4) (4)
Derrick Barnes, 2009
Award winning
Unicorn Famous: Another Phoebe and Her Unicorn Adventure
Dana Simpson, 2021
176 pages
Why to read
Celebrates creativity through fun, magical adventures.
Enhances emotional understanding and friendships.
Engages young readers with humor and wit.
Strengthens reading skills and vocabulary development.

Unicorn Famous: Another Phoebe and Her Unicorn Adventure
Dana Simpson, 2021
Award winning
The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
Renée Watson, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Nikkolas Smith, 2021
48 pages
Why to read
Enhances understanding of African American history.
Strengthens empathy through powerful storytelling.
Encourages critical thinking and discussion.
Beautiful, evocative illustrations complement the narrative.

The 1619 Project: Born on the Water
Renée Watson, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Nikkolas Smith, 2021
Award winning
Stuntboy, In The Meantime
Jason Reynolds, 2021
272 pages
Why to read
Showcases resilience through engaging, relatable storytelling.
Highlights importance of friendship and teamwork.
Encourages understanding and managing personal fears.
Supports emotional and social development.

Stuntboy, In The Meantime
Jason Reynolds, 2021
Award winning
A History of Underwear with Professor Chicken
Hannah Holt, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Engages kids with humor and historical facts.
Enhances knowledge about cultural evolution of clothing.
Encourages curiosity and learning through quirky storytelling.
Perfect for interactive parent-child reading sessions.

A History of Underwear with Professor Chicken
Hannah Holt, 2022
Award winning
Cat Kid Comic Club
Dav Pilkey, 2022
224 pages
Why to read
Fosters creativity through storytelling and drawing.
Builds confidence with relatable, problem-solving characters.
Encourages teamwork and collaborative play.
Supports linguistic and artistic development.

Cat Kid Comic Club
Dav Pilkey, 2022
Award winning
Black Boy, Black Boy
Ali Kamanda, Jorge Redmond, 2022
40 pages
Why to read
Celebrates diversity and empowerment for young Black boys.
Nurtures self-identity and self-worth in children.
Inspires resilience and ambition through relatable storytelling.
Supports developmental growth in empathy and emotional intelligence.

